AFT says it aims to “bring cutting-edge robotics to farmers everywhere”. Its developments of robotic farming equipment includes the T-6 robotic strawberry harvester.

Yamaha is leveraging the $100 million Motor Exploratory Fund, and says the AFT investment reflects YMVSV’s “focus on disruptive technological solutions that meet the challenges of the global food supply chain”.

George Kellerman, CEO and managing director of YMVSV, says: “Finding and supporting technology teams working to solve the challenges inherent in harvesting and delivering fresh food to the dynamic market of today and tomorrow is an area of investment interest for Yamaha Motor.”

The Series A funding round for AFT led by YMVSV raised a total of $7.5 million with additional investments from Kubota Corporation, Catapult Ventures and Impact Venture Capital.

Nolan Paul, partner and global ag-tech lead for YMVSV, says: “We see tremendous potential in Advanced Farm Technologies’ robotic harvesting solution as a means of helping to meet the growing global market demand for fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We look forward to working closely with the team to support the expansion of their enterprise.”

Marc Grossman, CEO of Advanced Farm Technologies, says: “We are excited and humbled to have Yamaha, a leader of global innovation and technology, support our mission of building a diversified farm equipment company centered around automation.

“With this investment, we can expand our lead in robotic strawberry harvesting and continue to innovate in other areas.”